20 Best Winter Colognes for Men in 2024 (For All Budgets)

London by Burberry is a must-have for anyone looking to capture the essence of winter in a bottle. As someone who knows the intricacies of men’s colognes, I can confidently say that the best winter cologne blends warmth and sophistication perfectly.

London stands out as the best winter scent because of its spicy-sweet blend that exudes a gentlemanly and sophisticated aura. Its warm and cozy scent, reminiscent of tree and sugar, evokes holiday nostalgia and comfort. It’s a 10/10 when worn with a coat, making it the perfect companion for cold weather.

12/18/2024 08:07 pm GMT

Another excellent choice is Cremo’s Bourbon and Oak. This affordable option is a crowd-pleaser with a long-lasting scent that doesn’t overpower. It smells like wood drenched in vanilla, offering a sexy and seductive aroma.

For those with a bigger budget, Spicebomb Extreme is highly recommended. This cologne’s projection lasts over 9 hours, making it an affordable alternative to niche fragrances. The mix of vanilla, cinnamon, and tobacco is warm, sexy, and alluring, making it an amazing compliment getter.

Now, let’s dive into a comprehensive list of my top winter cologne recommendations for men. Each of these fragrances has been chosen based on their note profiles, longevity, projection, and overall value for money. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or luxurious, I’ve got you covered.

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1. London – Best Budget Winter Frag Overall

Burberry London is the perfect scent for winter, with notes of leather, cinnamon, lavender, tobacco, and woods combined in this crowd-pleasing, slightly sweet scent.

It’s impeccably balanced, with enough woodsy notes underneath light sweetness to present a brand of distinguished, gentlemanly masculinity.

Burberry London Eau de Toilette	Need to know
Longevity: 6 – 7 hours	Age group: 25 – 40
Projection: Moderate	Value for money: 5/5

It’s for the man who isn’t “on his way” – he’s already arrived, sat on the brown leather couches of the exclusive lounge in the city. Antiques litter the scene, while a single malt is held deftly in hand.

Elegant and complex, but still inherently comfortable, Burberry London is equally wearable for a casual stroll in the park as dressing to impress. 

London EDT Spray for Men	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Cinnamon, Lavender and Bergamot
Middle Notes:	Leather and Mimosa
Base Notes:	Tobacco Leaf, Guaiac Wood and Oakmoss

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2. Bourbon and Oak – Cheapest Winter Frag (That’s Still Worth it)

Bourbon and Oak is another very, very good scent for winter.

It’s a cooler weather scent for sure, perfect for a night at the bar or on a chilly winter date. 

Bourbon and Oak Men’s Cologne	Need to know
Longevity: 5 – 6 hours	Age group: 30 – 50
Projection: Moderate	Value for money: 5/5

The opening is pretty sweet, with a gourmand-like vanilla feel competing with a spicy/woody dry down. The bourbon and oak become increasingly prominent throughout the lifetime of this Cremo cologne, backed up by tonka/sweet vanilla for a skin scent that lasts all day.

I sprayed myself this morning and five minutes later my GF gave an unsolicited compliment about what I was wearing. 

Bourbon and Oak is one of the cheapest colognes in my collection but I don’t feel cheap wearing it.

Bourbon and Oak Men’s EDT Spray	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Spicy Notes
Middle Notes:	Whiskey
Base Notes:	Oak

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3. Victor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme – Best Spicy Winter Frag

Spicebomb Extreme is a smoky-sweet incense whirlwind that was born to be a winter fragrance. It’s an intense explosion of heat and spice that takes the original winning Spicebomb formula and dials it up to eleven.

Spicebomb Extreme by Viktor&Rolf	Need to know
Longevity: 8 – 9 hours	Age group: 30 – 45
Projection: Strong	Value for money: 4/5

Cloves and cinnamon sing a Christmassy tune, while tobacco leaf and bourbon offer an earthy stage to perform on.

There’s also subtle fruitiness in the form of grapefruit and pimento berries that provides a little sweetness to prevent all the spice from becoming unpalatable.  

Notes of bourbon and warm vanilla are contrasted with amber wood, implying sensual masculinity that will draw compliments from the opposite sex.

It’s a good date night scent for the holidays, and perfect for getting up close under the mistletoe.

Spicebomb Extreme EDP Spray	Fragrance Notes
Top notes:	Grapefruit, Pimento Berries & Black Pepper
Heart notes:	Cumin, Cinnamon & Saffron
Base notes:	Tobacco, Vanilla, Bourbon & Amber Wood

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4. Tobacco Collection RWA – A Cheap Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Dupe

For the price, RWA is almost unbelievably good. Too good. It’s a supreme, tempting aroma from start to finish, with solid projection and longevity. 

The tobacco in this blend is realistic, sweet tobacco flower just like in Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille (covered later in my premium section).

Rich, Warm, Addictive by Zara	Need to know
Longevity: 5 hours	Age group: 25 – 35
Projection: Moderate	Value for money: 5/5

It’s rounded out by warm and creamy vanilla opens up, with touches of rum and cardamom and cloves lending spice and warmth to the heart.

This is no generic, linear tobacco blast, that’s for sure. 

There’s surprising and welcome depth in this fragrance, with layers evolving and changing over time.

If you have no money to smell a million bucks, I say to you: buy this warm and cozy scent from Zara.

It is the perfect cologne for Gents looking to exude a luxurious sense when they’re suited up; whether you’re making deals in the office or seducing at an up-market bar.

Zara Tobacco Collection EDT Spray	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	White Rum, Tobacco Flower
Middle Notes:	Peony Wood, Tobacco Leaf, Cardamom and Cloves
Base Notes:	Bourbon Vanilla

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5. Paco Rabanne Black XS – Best Cheap Winter Frag for Date Night

I call this one Goth Chocolate Strawberry. Black XS is deliciously sweet and sultry, with a boozy liquor-like quality that is utterly intoxicating. 

By the way, girls absolutely love Black XS. It’s easily one of my most complimented fragrances, and women adore it. Not why I wear it, but I’m also not complaining.

Black XS Eau deToilette Spray	Need to know
Longevity: 8 – 9 Hours	Age group: 22 – 35
Projection: Moderate/Strong	Value for money: 4.5/5

Black XS also packs enough of a punch to easily cut through the cold winter night. You’ll get up to 9 hours of fruity fragrance to carry you through the day.

The dark chocolate and strawberry feel carefree and youthful, with a rich and fruity opulence that will make you walk an inch taller. You’d better have the attitude to match the party-banger swagger of this one.

Just make sure you stay clear in the summer. With the heat, the sweetness would become cloying and sickly.

• Check our guide to the most attractive colognes here, or discover more popular Paco Rabbane fragrances.

Black XS Men’s EDT Spray	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Sage and Lemon
Heart Notes:	Praline, Cardamom, and Cinnamon
Base Notes:	Rosewood, Amber, and Patchouli

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6. Stronger With You – Best Winter Frag with Vanilla

Stronger with You is comfort in a bottle. Sweet warming notes of cardamom and vanilla rest on top of woodsy notes of cedar and chestnut.

It swerves aggressive notes and instead represents refined, gentlemanly masculinity perfect for winter.

Stronger With You EDT for Men	Need to know
Longevity: 7 hours	Age group: 25 – 40
Projection: Moderate	Value for money: 4/5

I’d bracket Stronger With You as a sweet scent, but it’s not overwhelmingly so. There’s lots of vanilla and fruits in the opening that keep things bright, but it’s neatly moderated by warm spices that emerge throughout the lifetime of the fragrance. 

The way the cardamom and vanilla combine is wonderfully cozy and comfortable. It feels powdery, teetering on gourmand notes. It smells more expensive than it is, that much is for sure. 

The lighter sweet notes take center stage for the first few hours, before making way for a woodier, nuttier denouement. The projection here is reduced, but it’s a gorgeous, amber-heavy skin scent up close. A solid contender for your next signature scent for the winter season.

• Check here to learn more about the best Armani colognes.

Stronger With You Eau de Toilette	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Violet Leaf, and Mint
Heart Notes:	Pineapple, Cinnamon, Melon, Sage, and Lavender
Base Notes:	Vanilla, Chestnut, Amberwood, Cedar, and Guaiac Wood

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7. D&G Intenso – Best Cheap Dark Winter Frag

This dark winter fragrance is full of rich, woodsy aromas – perfect for a determined man, acting on instinct and emotion.

Intenso Eau de Parfum	Need to know
Longevity: 5 – 6 hours	Age group: 20 – 40
Projection: Moderate	Value for money: 3.5/5

Most male scents are safe – but this isn’t. I’ll wear this everywhere except at work. This is what the boss wears when he’s at play.

I love this, and I’m in my mid-twenties, but Intenso would work right up to your late thirties. 

The composition opens with fresh aquatic notes and green nuances of basil and lavender. Moepel wood from South Africa makes the heart with its luxurious floral, balsamic, and honey accents. 

This tobacco accord is the star player. It gives the fragrance a classic masculine edge; something quite uncommon nowadays.

The blend settles in at the one-hour mark as the tobacco dries down. The intensity and strength of the composition come from the base of labdanum, sandalwood, and cypress.

Having said that, keep in mind that the performance here is moderate. It almost survives a working day, but not quite.

I found projection to only be really strong for the first couple of hours, followed by another 4 or so of a skin scent.

Intenso EDP Spray by D&G	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Lavender, Water Notes and Basil
Middle Notes:	Tobacco, Hay, Moepel Wood and Clary Sage
Base Notes:	Sandalwood, Cypress, Musk and Amber

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8. Dark Cherry and Amber by Banana Republic – Cheap Winter Lost Cherry Alternative

Dark Cherry and Amber is technically a women’s fragrance – but don’t let that put you off. To my nose, it’s a perfectly wearable unisex scent, with a touch of Amber warmth that makes it great for cooler nights.

Banana Republic Dark Cherry and Amber	Need to know
Longevity: 6 – 7 hours	Age group: 28 – 45
Projection: Soft/Moderate	Value for money: 4.5/5

Dark Cherry and Amber is a sensual fragrance. The Black cherry is more rich than sweet, balancing with red amber to produce a fragrance that feels deeper than most.

The blonde cedar in the base involved here is soft and light rather than rugged and dirty. It’s sleek and serene, serving as a beautiful backdrop for lighter flecks of praline and cherry blossom to shine brightly.

Just like Lost Cherry, Dark Cherry and Amber lasts a fair while. For the first 3 – 4 hours you’ll pick up compliments from those who pass you by, and lasts another 3 as an intimate skin scent for those lucky enough to get close. Yum.

Dark Cherry and Amber Eau de Parfum	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Black Cherry and Pink Freesia
Middle Notes:	Cherry Blossom and Praline
Base Notes:	Blonde Cedar and Red Amber

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9. Valentino Born in Roma Yellow Dream – Best Affordable Sweet Winter Scent

Born in Roma Yellow Dream Perfume Spray by Valentino	Need to know
Longevity: 6 hours	Age group: 30 – 48
Projection: Moderate	Value for money: 4/5

Here is one of my best-kept secrets. Valentino’s Born in Roma Yellow Dream is a sweet fragrance that combines juicy pineapple and mandarin with a touch of warming spice perfect for the winter season.

The spice here is subtle, close to freshly baked gingerbread or Christmas cake. There’s also a vanilla aspect that grows across the first few hours, adding to this gourmand, “good enough to eat” impression. 

This cozy sweetness mellows out after 15 minutes or so, making some space for more traditionally masculine accords like woodsy cedar. It’s perfect for a winter occasion where you want to express confidence, but also show that you don’t take yourself annoyingly seriously. 

I’d recommend it to an affable Gent who’s known as a smiley character. Yellow Dream smells like good times and good vibes for the holidays.

Born in Roma Yellow Dream by Valentino	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Pineapple and Mandarin Orange Blossom
Heart Notes:	Ginger and Spices
Base Notes:	Vanilla and Cedar

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10. Bleu de Chanel EDP – Best Affordable Musky Winter Scent

This one is a modern classic. Bleu de Chanel is an intriguing concoction that manages to pull off the trick of being simultaneously warm and spicy, as well as fresh and musky.

Bleu de Chanel EDP Spray for Men	Need to know
Longevity: 10 hours	Age group: 23 – 40
Projection: Strong	Value for money: 4/5

An energizing opening of grapefruit, incense, and ginger is followed by a healthy serving of vetiver that feels sleek in this mature scent. The balance between the woodsy notes and the fruitier elements is pretty unique and really has to be smelt to be believed. 

By harnessing traditional masculine accords in a way that feels zippy and youthful, Bleu de Chanel sort of defies categorization. What I can say is that it’s one of the most popular colognes on the planet, and a go-to winter fragrance for when I’m trying to remain professional while expressing some personality.

Performance is top tier, with Bleu de Chanel kicking out fragrance long into the evening. In my experience, you’ll get up to 10 hours of meaningful wear out of a few morning sprays. It doesn’t get much better than that.

• Check out our guide to Bleu de Chanel EDT vs EDP to see which is right for you.

Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum Spray	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint, and Pink Pepper
Heart Notes:	Ginger, Nutmeg, Jasmine, and Iso E Super
Base Notes:	Incense, Vetiver, Cedar, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Labdanum, and White Musk.

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11. Dior Sauvage – Longest Lasting Affordable Winter Scent for Men

Sauvage is a great pick for winter fragrance as far as I’m concerned. It’s universally admired – and it’s popular for good reason. A fresh, spicy, and woody fragrance – the holy trinity!

On the initial sniff, you’re instantly hit with a smokey campfire smell of smoldering embers. After a few minutes, notes of grapefruit and organic lavender arrive alongside a sensual blend of nutmeg and cinnamon. 

Dior Sauvage Eau de Parfum	Need to know
Longevity: 8 – 9 hours	Age group: 21 – 35
Projection: Strong	Value for money: 5/5

The base is held together by rich and aromatic woodiness and the signature Dior amber fragrance notes.

It’s definitely on the sweeter side, with the lavender, cardamom, and cinnamon- but I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a sweet scent.

It’s astonishingly strong, with every note exploding out with a top-tier projection. You’ll be kicking out long-lasting scent for the entire day, which is always useful for increasing the longevity of an expensive bottle.

This makes it a great pick if you’re a little limited in your budget, but still want a signature scent that will impress.

• Check out our Dior Sauvage EDT vs EDP article to find out which is right for you.

Dior Sauvage Parfum Spray	Fragrance Notes
Top notes:	Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom, and Grapefruit
Heart notes:	Lavender, Smoke
Base notes:	Liquorice, Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli, and Haitian Vetiver.

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12. Spicebomb Infrared – Best Scent for Winter Overall

Infrared takes the familiar Spicebomb warmth, smooths out some of the rough edges, and replaces them with a tart berry sweetness that feels upbeat and playful. It’s more seductive and alluring and lends itself better to getting cozy on a winter date night. 

Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Infrared EDP Spray	Need to know
Longevity: 9 – 10 hours	Age group: 25 – 40
Projection: Strong	Value for money: 4.5/5

Longevity is superb, matching the 10 hours on offer by competitors like Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille and Creeds Royal Oud. This long-lasting scent is significantly cheaper than both of those, so it’s a solid performance from Viktor and Ralf. 

If you already have Spicebomb, you might not need Infrared. They are fairly similar, but for me, there’s plenty of fun in picking out the nuances and getting super specific about what I’m looking for.

• Check our full Spicebomb Infrared review here.

Spicebomb Infrared Parfum by Viktor&Rolf	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Red Fruits, Pink Pepper and Saffron
Heart Notes:	Cinnamon and Red Pepper
Base Notes:	Tobacco and Benzoin

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13. Polo Supreme Leather – Best Affordable Winter Scent for Classy Events

Polo Supreme Leather is an accessible fragrance that is perfect for winter. It’s a masculine fragrance, perfect for formal gatherings or an evening in a high-end bar.

Polo Supreme Leather by Ralph Lauren	Need to know
Longevity: 9 hours	Age group: 28 – 50
Performance: Strong	Value for money: 4.5/5

Elegant and simplistic without ever becoming boring, Supreme Leather is a genuine crowd-pleaser in my experience.

Supreme Leather smells premium and refined, rather than rugged and dirty (as is often the case in other leather-inspired fragrances).

The leather is more of a co-star than the lead role, balanced with a creamy and sweet blend of tonka, honey, and cardamom. 

These elements, along with nutmeg and saffron, help brighten things up and stop the leather short of being too aggressive. 

It reminds me of a combination of my two favorite Tom Ford colognes, Ombre Leather and Tobacco Vanille, like a biker jacket dunked in a tub of ice cream. 

If you’re looking for a leather fragrance that is neither domineering nor docile, you’re in the right place with Supreme Leather.

The projection and longevity is almost absurd here. I still get compliments from spraying on my clothes the previous day, for goodness sake.

With that in mind, if you want to get away with Supreme Leather in the office, handle it with care. Leather is still a bold accord, so using more than 1-2 sprays of this cologne at the office might come off as a little obnoxious. 

• Check out my guide to the best Ralph Lauren colognes here.

Ralph Lauren – Polo Supreme Leather	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Cardamom and Nutmeg
Middle Notes:	Saffron and Leather
Base Notes:	Tonka Bean and Honey

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14. Dior Homme Intense – Longest-lasting Affordable Winter Scent

Dior Homme Intense is my top Dior cologne for men during winter, perfect for cozy dates as the nights draw in.

Homme Intense EDP by Christian Dior	Need to know
Longevity: 10 hours	Age group: 25 – 40
Projection: Moderate/Strong	Value for money: 4.5/5

A deep base of cedar and vetiver combine with a vivid iris streak to cut through the cold and make a seductive, masculine impression.

The reformulation in 2011 added a lavender note to the opening to help add some maturity to the blend – and now it’s undisputably sophisticated and classy.

There’s a reason A-listers like Robert Pattinson back it. This is a seductive scent that disrupts cliches while still respecting tradition

It is one of the longest-lasting Dior colognes out there. I get up to 10 hours of wear out of Dior Homme Intense. It’s the kind of scent you can still smell on yourself when you wake up the next morning  – and in all likelihood, there will be someone next to you to verify that.

Homme Intense Eau de Parfum for Men	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Lavender
Heart Notes:	Iris, Musk Mallow and Pear
Base Notes	Virginia Cedar and Vetiver

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15. Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir – Best Affordable Winter Scent with Oud

Oud Noir is a great introduction to a world of opulent, luxurious woodsiness. This dark fragrance is perfect for winter evenings out and will add a touch of class and mystery to a tailored suit.

Oud Noir by Versace for Him	Need to know
Longevity: 9 hours	Age group: 30 – 50
Performance: Strong	Value for Money: 5/5

It balances a primal Oud accord with delicate touches of tobacco, saffron, leather, and just a touch of spice. It makes me feel mature and a little dangerous – like I’m a capable, accomplished man in control.

Even after 9 hours, I find myself enjoying wonderful wafts of scent on myself. As a thicker cologne, it naturally stays a little closer to the skin, but it’s still noticeable by those standing close enough to hold a conversation.

If you’re a fan of Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, this is a fragrance that captures that same cleaned-up Western Oud sense for a fraction of the price.

• Check out my full guide to the best Versace fragrances for men here.

Oud Noir Men’s Eau de Parfum	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Black Pepper, Bitter Orange and Neroli
Heart Notes:	Saffron, Cardamom and Olibanum
Base Notes:	Agarwood (Oud), Patchouli and Leatherwood

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16. Tom Ford Ombré Leather – Best Leather Fragrance for Winter

This is the first of two Tom Ford inclusion on this list, but he seriously knows what he’s doing when it comes to producing outstanding winter colognes. 

Ombré Leather is one of the fragrances I hear rave reviews about on the most regular basis – when people try it, they seem to fall in love with it.

Ombré Leather Eau de Parfum for Men	Need to know
Longevity: 8 Hours	Age group: 30 -50
Projection: Strong	Value for money: 4/5

It’s inspired by “landscapes of the American Southwest”, as has everything you could conceivably want in a high-class men’s fragrance. Again, this is a streamlined fragrance that doubles down on presenting a core ingredient in the best light rather than overcomplicating things. 

The leather is deep, dark, and mysterious. While it’s certainly the main event, there are also touches of wood and spice that prevent it from being a complete one-trick pony. While leather-leading colognes can sometimes suffer from coming across as a little rugged or dirty, Tom Ford’s offering is notably clean and breezy. 

Ombré leather is an alluring scent perfect for a cold winter day. If you’ve never tried it out, make a point to get around to it. After a spritz, you’ll never have felt so beautiful and desired – it’s like a cheat code to feeling infinite confidence. 

If I have one quibble, it could be a touch cheaper – but sometimes, you get what you pay for.

• Check our guide to the best Tom Ford colognes for more.

Ombré Leather EDP Spray for Him	Fragrance Notes
Top notes:	Cardamom and Vanilla
Heart notes:	Leather and Jasmine Sambac
Base notes:	Amber, Moss, and Patchouli

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17. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille – My Personal Favorite Winter Fragrance for Men

This could easily be one of my favorite colognes of all time, not just a top winter fragrance. 

With Tobacco Vanille, Tom Ford has delivered an example of how to achieve minimalist perfection. This uncluttered, sophisticated fragrance serves to let the two stars of the show, tobacco and vanilla, shine unimpeded.

Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum for Him	Need to know
Longevity: 10 hours	Age group: 24 – 42
Projection: Moderate/strong	Value for money: 4.5/5

The pleasantly sweet, smokey vanilla is balanced out perfectly by warm and spicy flickers of golden tobacco. There really isn’t that much else going on beyond some touches of dried fruit and tonka bean, but believe me – in this case, less is more.

I love it in the same way I love Aston Martins more than Ferraris. There’s something to be said for a refined approach that doesn’t desperately try to be cool, it just is. 

This isn’t for you if you’re looking for a complicated cacophony of notes. But if you’re a particular fan of vanilla fragrances and are looking for a high-quality expression, you have reached your destination. 

Tobacco Vanille gives me tailored suits in a cigar lounge vibes. It lends an impressive, “quietly confident” CEO energy rather than brute force – which is just the way a true Gent should be. 

And despite the hefty price tag, the value is actually not that bad when you consider how strong it is. Just 1 or 2 sprays, you’ll project a few feet of fragrance for 6 or 7 hours, before things settle down to a more intimate skin scent for another 5 or 6. 

Up to 12 hours of total projection is pretty unparalleled, even by some of the most expensive colognes.

Eau de Parfum Parfum by Tom Ford	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Spicy Notes, Smoke and Tobacco
Heart Notes:	Tonka Bean, Tobacco Flower, Vanilla and Cocoa
Base Notes:	Woody Notes and Dry Fruit

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18. Creed Original Santal – Best Sandalwood Winter Fragrance

Original Santal is incredibly popular. The subtlety of this Creed offering is exceptional, and a masterful effort from the designer house. Just be warned – it’s also incredibly expensive.

Creed Original Santal Men’s Perfume	Need to know
Longevity: 4 – 6 hours	Age group: 35 – 55
Projection: Moderate/Strong	Value for money: 3.5/5

This is a gentlemanly and refined representation of dry and light sandalwood. It’s peppered with soothing lavender and aromatic spice to produce a well-balanced cologne.

For me, it’s a perfect winter fragrance. It got that feeling of overcoats and frosted grass. However, it’s not one of those Christmas colognes that overdo it on spice and aromatics. 

The warmth here comes from subtle cinnamon and ginger, but they’re only there to lightly support that primary sandalwood accord. The takeaway is still resoundingly masculine, and the wood feels fresh and vivacious rather than stuffy and musky. 

Original Santal packs enough punch to cut through cold weather – but for the price, you’d expect a longer lifespan. It projects well for 2-3 hours before becoming a 1-2 ft scent bubble for another 2-3 hour stint.

I find it to be a great stress buster and would recommend it to any Gent that is looking for a sophisticated winter cologne. It’s almost impossible not to exude a sense of authority and status while wearing it – but the value for money leaves a little to be desired

Original Santal Perfume by Creed	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Sandalwood, Juniper Berries, Coriander and Cinnamon
Middle Notes:	Lavender, Ginger, Rosemary and Petitgrain
Base Notes:	Vanilla and Tonka Bean

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19. Creed Royal Oud – Best Luxury Oud Fragrance for Winter

Royal Oud is the best wood-predominant fragrance that I’ve come across in my years as a fragrance enthusiast- and trust me, I’ve been looking!

It lives up to its name. It smells like the interior of a grand Persian palace, packed full of wealth and majesty.

Creed Royal Oud Luxury Cologne	Need to know
Longevity: 8 hours	Age group: 30 – 50
Projection: Subtle	Value for money: 3/5

It lends itself to formal occasions when you need to dress to impress. Paired with the right suit or leather jacket, Royal Oud will take you from a 9 to a 10. 

First, you’ll notice a smokey cedarwood and pepper combo that I’d describe as spiced grass. It’s exceptional, and not something I’ve been able to find in other Oud fragrances. 

Then, you’ll begin to pick out zesty bergamot touched with a twist of lemon. The base is musky sandalwood and the key primary accord is a dollop of agarwood. 

Quick disclaimer: If you’re a die-hard oud fan, you might be a little disappointed in the subtlety of the woodiness. It’s a smooth and woodsy cologne, rather than a whack round the head with a plank of agarwood. Creed produces classy and “cleaned up” versions of classic fragrances, after all. 

Royal Oud is subtle enough to not be obnoxious, but people do notice it. I pick up plenty of unsolicited compliments when I wear it, but still feel comfortable. This isn’t a fragrance that’s too experimental and screams “look at me, look at me” whenever I walk into a room.

You’ll get a solid 8 hours of meaningful projection, and if you spray directly onto your clothes you’ll get a hit every time you open your wardrobe for the whole week.

Whether you’re exploring on holiday or just running errands in town, Creed will hang in there for the full day- ready for whatever life throws at you.

If you’re looking for a top-tier oud that’s not overdone, you’ve found it. Royal Oud is a great choice for the oud-obsessed and rookies alike. While a little on the expensive side, it’s a fragrance everyone should try at least once. 

Creed Royal Oud Men’s Cologne	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Lemon, Bergamot, and Pink Pepper
Heart notes:	Galbanum and Cedar
Base Notes:	Agarwood (Oud), Musk, and Sandalwood

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20. Hacivat by Nishane – A Deeper, Darker, Aventus Alternative for Winter

Hacivat is a darker, earthier, and more mature Creed Aventus alternative.

Put it this way: Darth Vader would wear Hacivat instead of Aventus.

Hacivat Eau de Parfum Spray	Need to know
Longevity: 10 hours	Age group: 25 – 40
Projection: Strong	Value for money: 4/5

It’s a gloomier, broody fragrance that suits cooler weather best. The dark-amber, woodsy dry-down undercuts the familiar pineapple opening with some serious masculinity.

It feels “greener” than Aventus from a healthy dose of patchouli and oakmoss.

Hacivat is also the only Aventus alternative I’ve found that outperforms the original. It’s a 10-hour projection monster.

With that in mind, less is more with this one. 1-2 sprays max; 3-4 is way overkill.

Hacivat Extrait de Parfum Spray	Fragrance Notes
Top Notes:	Pineapple, Grapefruit and Bergamot
Middle Notes:	Cedar, Patchouli and Jasmine
Base Notes:	Oakmoss and Woodsy Notes

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What to Look for in the Best Winter Colognes?

The best winter colognes are powerful, as it’s difficult to radiate scent in cooler weather. When reading reviews, look out for fragrances with good projection (how far the scent travels) and longevity (how long it lasts).

What’s the Difference Between Summer Scents and Winter Colognes?

In the winter months, summer scents won’t last more than a couple of hours, making the whole exercise a little futile. Winter colognes will generally incorporate heavier scents of spice and woodiness that will bind to drier skin in the cold weather. Warm notes of musk, tobacco, and leather are going to persist more effectively than traditional floral and citrus notes.

How Much Do Winter Colognes Cost?

There’s no real difference in price point between summer and winter colognes – just the palate. 

Like summer colognes, you’ll look to pay slightly more than your bottom-of-the-barrel, $20 cologne.  Generally speaking, prices start at around $50 for a decent beginner’s cologne that you’d be happy to wear- and can rise as high as $300 for the best winter colognes.

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FAQs

What to do next?

It’s important to use the right tool for the job, and your fragrance choice is no different. The best winter colognes will project in even the harshest cold, and are a crucial element of any winter outfit. Get started with one of our top picks today!

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What’s Changed?

We updated this guide in January 2024 to reflect the most recent pricing.

16th July 2024: This guide was overhauled with changes to our recommendations, latest reviews, and was re-fact checked to make sure our reviews are as up to date as possible.